Made in Scotland: Thistledown Wishes

Welcome to our monthly Made in Scotland blog where we explore the incredibly creative and beautiful makers in the best wee country in the world! This month we’re chatting with the Edinburgh based Susan of Thistledown Wishes. Susan creates gorgeous jewellery inspired by the natural world and the changes that happen each season. We were particularly taken with her newest range which uses genuine Royal Mile cobblestones to create cufflinks and jewellery. Such a unique gift for the Scotland lover in your life! Read on to find out more about these unique and Scottish pieces!

Can you tell us how your business got started?

I used to work as a scientist which was a job that I loved but when my second son was born I decided that I would like to be at home more for my children as they grew up.  Starting my own business seemed like a good option and so I began by making little beaded bracelets and necklaces.  I was gifted a soldering course for my birthday and instantly fell in love with the process of turning a sheet of silver into a piece of jewellery.  It felt like the perfect blend of science and art and I’ve been addicted ever since.

Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products? 

I’m lucky to live in Edinburgh which is a constant source of inspiration.  I’m always in awe of the beautiful architecture and the history that surrounds me but my main inspiration comes from walking in the woods.  I love the way that a path that I know well is different each time I walk along it, tree stumps that had fungi growing on them one week could have the base surrounded by uncurling ferns the next.  It’s the tiny details of nature that I really feel inspired by, it’s like a little world in miniature all around us when we take time to really look.

Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?

My jewellery all starts life as a sheet of recycled sterling silver or a roll of wire.  I try to sketch initial ideas in a sketchbook but quite often I find that the design evolves as I physically make it.  I like to play around with the different components of my initial design idea and arrange them until the design feels right.  My sketchbooks become more of a recipe book where I keep notes such as the wire thickness and gemstone dimensions so that I can reproduce the piece.

What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?

My most popular product is probably my lichen inspired ring.  I love making this ring and although I use the same number of ‘lichen’ shapes for each ring, they all turn out differently giving each customer a unique piece of jewellery.  My lichen pieces are also my favourite to both make and wear.  Currently my go-to earrings are my lichen twig studs and again each pair turns out slightly differently although the general dimensions and lichen positions are constant.

If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?

Having a walk and a picnic at the Hermitage at Dunkeld is the perfect way for me to spend a sunny day.  I love to walk along the side of the River Braan and then view the amazing waterfall from the viewing platform at Ossian’s Hall.  On the way back to the car park I make sure to look out for the cool totem pole.  I must take hundreds of photographs on my phone each time we visit.

Thanks so much to Susan for taking the time to talk with us and do make sure that you follow Thistledown Wishes on her Website, Facebook or Instagram!